I "upgraded" from this lens to the modern VR version. The VR is bigger, heavier, has VR, and focuses quicker. As I explored macro photography more though, I realized that VR is irrelevant to most macro photography, as is Autofocus.
And sharpness? I defy anyone to spot the difference between a shot at f16 from this lens and from the VR version. The optics are superb in both.
With this in mind, this lens offers photographers the opportunity to buy a "pro" macro lens without breaking the bank. It's also more portable, and perhaps even preferable to some. If you're considering buying this lens, just grab it. It's superb.

Jun 19, 2016

VidJaOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Oct 23, 2007Location: N/APosts: 2

Review Date: Mar 20, 2013

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9

Pros:

I have bought this lens in 1990!, more expensive than my F801, far before the digital era. It still serves me well and to be honest, it outresolves the D7000. (sorry, no D7100 experience yet). After 23 years it is still a great investment.

Cons:

It's kind of heavy and focuses slow of course no VR.

Mar 20, 2013

NuclearRoyOfflineImage Upload: On

Registered: Oct 5, 2011Location: United StatesPosts: 162

Review Date: Apr 20, 2012

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $750.00
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Macro, Build quality

Cons:

Heavy

Upgraded from Tamron 60 f2.0 to this. Center sharpness is comprable to the Tamron but the edges are like night and day, the Nikon wins hands down. The VR on this lens seems even better than some of my other Nikons. It is frightening how it stops the motion in the view finder. You know the camera is moving around, but the image is rock steady. It is also a little louder than my other VR lenses, but well worth the tradeoff. Very nice piece of glass.

Apr 20, 2012

kjyuanOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Aug 1, 2009Location: United StatesPosts: 42

Review Date: Dec 7, 2010

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $410.00
| Rating: 8

Pros:

1:1, sharp, manual focuses well.

Cons:

too much plastic for my liking, slow af. likes to hunt without limiter.

Great lens. This version doesn't have VR as some reviewers have claimed. This is the D version, which is the predecessor of the G which does have VR. Still gives sharp focus at infinity, and 1:1.

Dec 7, 2010

kenpixOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Dec 18, 2004Location: United StatesPosts: 7

Review Date: Apr 10, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $400.00
| Rating: 8

Pros:

Excellent sharp images,Great for the selling website close up shots

Cons:

slow focus,plastic body feel

Good lens for close up work.

Apr 10, 2009

FatBoyAlOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Sep 4, 2005Location: United StatesPosts: 671

Review Date: Feb 26, 2009

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Build, balance, IQ!, VR, fast AF - especially for a macro

Cons:

None at all - perhaps price, but look what you get!

This was my first Nikon lens after moving from Canon. Killed me that I had to wait for my D300 before using it. I'd had the Canon 180/3.5L and the Sigma 150/2.8 in the past and loved, loved, loved the Sigma. I like the Nikon more.

The VR gives you the ability to use it for macro even if you've not brought your tripod. Even the Sigma absolutely needed support. The Canon? It's a 180mm - you can figure from there! The VR and fast AF also mean this is a great mid-tele for portraits and just about anything else you'd use a 105mm for.

Excellent color and contrast. Wonderful bokeh. Really, this is my favorite macro of all time.

AF sluggish if allowed to travel through the whole range; really struggles with subjects with no contrast.

This is probably one of the most versatile lenses in the Nikon line that you can own. First, it is a 105mm, which is great for portraits and landscapes alike. Add the micro feature, and it is a real value, especially with the VR function.

I researched a micro lens purchase for nearly six months. I was torn between the 60, this lens and the Sigma 150. I even ordered the Sigma twice and cancelled because I just couldn't see myself using something other than Nikon optics.

The VR is what sealed my decision; even if the Sigma is as sharp as this lens, which it is reputed to be, the VR is worth it for the extra $100. Additionally, on a DX sensor this lens is a 150mm, so I am in effect getting the Sigma but with Nikon quality and the VR.

Some have said they don't find VR of use in micro, but am very pleased with the sharpness I'm getting when VR is on and I'm handholding. Every time I use this lens I'm more impressed with the sharpness and smoothness of the transition from sharp to soft. It's like the Lens Baby look, but much sharper. I am looking forward to using this for weddings.

The only downsides I can see are the 62mm filter, which does not mesh with the pro Nikon lenses I own, and the way the lens can't focus on flat, low-contrast subjects, like leaves. Otherwise, this lens is sharper than my 70-200, 85 f/1.4, 50 f/1.4 and old 105 f/2.8 AIS micro, which this lens replaces. If you're riding the fence, get off and buy one. The trade imbalance needs another $750 and you'll photos will benefit from this lens.

Oct 21, 2008

mholdefOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Sep 25, 2005Location: FrancePosts: 1210

Review Date: Sep 7, 2008

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $800.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Very sharp, beautiful color and bokeh. Superb construction.

Cons:

None

I just switched from a Canon 5D to a D700 and needed to replace my Canon 100/2.8 Macro, which with the 5D was already a great combination.

The Nikon is even better !!!

The boken and color are superb, and this is the sharpest lens I currently own.

Portraits also come out wonderful although you really can count every hair or pore in a person's face - so by all means there is no need for any sharpening in post production!

The lens is very well built and although heavier than the Canon, balances quite well on the D700.

In close-up work, I use the lens with VR and autofocus turned off, as neither is of any use. Handheld however, the VR comes in very handy provided the distance to subject is not too close, and autofocus is quite good.

This is the sharpest lens I own, I use this lens for photographing dogs, my assistant calls the lens my “High Definition” lens. My clients are amazed to be able to count individual hairs on the dogs that I photograph. I photographed a black Scottish Terrier with this lens and had it printed in black and white on the Kodak metallic paper, the dog looks three dimensional.

Cons:

This lens is slow to focus even on my D3's with the new firmware upgrade. I wonder if the new AFS VR lens is as sharp as what I have?

Aug 23, 2008

SeptemberOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: May 14, 2008Location: NetherlandsPosts: 15

Review Date: Jul 8, 2008

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Sharp, good build quality

Cons:

none

Just amazing how sharp this lens is even wide open. For macro (micro) photography it delivers crisp pictures. It can be usefull for certain kinds of portraits, be aware tough that is unforgiving in its resolving power. The build quality as usual with nikon primes is excellent.

Jul 8, 2008

lextalionisOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Jul 28, 2007Location: United StatesPosts: 1076

Review Date: Apr 17, 2008

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $700.00
| Rating: 9

Pros:

Execelent prime lens...very fun to use and yeilds great results.

Cons:

None that I can find.

I "think" this is the only prime macro with VR to my knowledege. Nothing on the Canon macro lineup has IS. Also, this review is for the "VR" version.

To shoot with this lens is to love it and with VR on tap it makes the package.

Jun 11, 2007

Chris BradyOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: May 7, 2007Location: United StatesPosts: 17

Review Date: May 7, 2007

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $785.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Tack Sharp, Reliable, Sturdy, Tack Sharp, Affordible, Tack Sharp!

Cons:

NONE....I have experienced NOTHING negative about this lens!

Currently I have not shot with a better lens, especially for Beauty, Macro or portraits.

I am seriously considering getting another one just in case my house is hit by a metor.

This lens is so crisp that I actually noticed an increase in my file size, it pulls out the details lke NOTHING else, its my secret weapon!

I can only hope that my 80-200 2.8 ED AF that is on the way is nearly as crisp.

90% of what you see on my site was shot with this lens including these:

May 7, 2007

theDeeZerOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Feb 20, 2004Location: United StatesPosts: 54

Review Date: Feb 9, 2007

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10

Pros:

Of the 19 Nikkor lenses I presently owned, this was my favorite and most often used until I purchased the newer 105mm f/2.8 Micro with VR.

Cons:

If my memory serves me correctly, this particular model has a rotating front. I/m not going to get it out of lockup to make sure, but do consider the newer version. Both versions are super, super sharp.